El Pintor De Las Mujeres Soles
Silvio Rodriguez
The Solitary Painter: A Journey of Art and Isolation
Silvio Rodriguez's song "El Pintor De Las Mujeres Soles" tells the poignant story of a painter who lives a life of solitude and unrequited love. The painter, described as having long hair and a dusty beard, is dedicated to his art, creating luminous depictions of women. Despite his brilliance, he remains unappreciated and unloved, both as an artist and as a human being. His journey is marked by a profound sense of isolation, as he continues to learn and navigate the path of loneliness.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the painter's final days. He embarks on his last journey across the Atlantic, only to be buried upon arrival. His art, filled with light and life, contrasts sharply with his own desolate existence. The painter's disdain for conventional norms is evident as he spits at a crab from one of his drawings and sets a date for his departure. His cries against weapons and the pious who cross themselves highlight his rebellious spirit and his rejection of societal expectations.
In his final moments, the painter's legacy is left to his friends, with a simple request for walls to hold his remains. This request symbolizes his desire for his art to endure, even if he himself is forgotten. The song captures the essence of an artist's struggle for recognition and the bittersweet reality of creating beauty in a world that may never fully appreciate it. Rodriguez's lyrics evoke a deep sense of empathy for the painter, whose life and work are a testament to the enduring power of art and the human spirit.